CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

DEVON - Luppitt, Luppitt Inn

National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors Part One

Luppitt, Luppitt, EX14 4RT

Tel: 01404 891613

Listed Status: Not listed

View this pub on a local map

A rare example of a simple, unspoiled farmhouse pub of the type that was common years ago but now virtually extinct. It has been in the same family ownership for over 100 years and is still part of a working farm run by other members of the family so don't be surprised if you find chickens in the yard. Other of Britain’s Real Heritage Pubs with working farms attached are the Harrington Arms, Gawsworth; Duke of York, Leysters ; and Dyffryn Arms, Pontfaen . The building itself is a modest two-storey Victorian one, built of local stone (rendered at rear) with a slate roof. The entrance to the pub is in the yard and the pub part occupies two rooms on the north side with an entry between the two into a quarry tiled hallway.

The room in regular use being that on the right containing the servery. It has a stable door and don't be surprised if a customer slides the bolt after you have entered to keep it closed! There is nothing sophisticated, only a simple matchboarded counter which could be 100 years old and with a door missing and the flap permanently opened, a few simple shelves and beer drawn direct from casks (nowadays more likely to be a poly barrel) stillaged behind the bar. The room is so small that you will find you are quickly brought into conversation with others or you may be encouraged to test your skill on the various puzzles strewn over the table.

The small room on the left has a (1930s ?) brick fireplace. What at first glance looks like a flagstone floor in both rooms is in fact army surplus rubber matting installed just after WWII that came from nearby USAF Dunkerswell laid on a concrete floor. The only food sold is crisps and nuts. Outside gents and ladies across the yard. Open Mon-Sat. evenings only from 7pm to 10.30pm but this is subject to change so best to ring to check before travelling.